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How to remove advertisements presented by Access+ adware

Also Known As: Access+ search hijacker
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Access+?

Access+ is classified as adware. It delivers various unwanted and even harmful advertisements into search results provided by the Google search engine. Additionally, most adware-type apps have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor users' browsing activity.

Access+ is no exception to this. Due to its dubious proliferation methods, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

Website used to promote Access+ adware

Following successful infiltration, Access+ inserts ads into Google search results. Adware can enable the placement of various intrusive advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and so on, onto any website.

As well as reducing browsing speed and overlaying page content, when clicked, these ads redirect to sale-based, untrusted, rogue, deceptive, compromised, scam and malicious websites. Some can even be triggered (when clicked) to execute scripts designed to download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs) without users' consent.

Unwanted applications can force-open similarly dangerous sites. Other types can hijack browsers by modifying their settings and restricting/denying access to them. This particular type modifies browsers to promote fake search engines.

These bogus search engines are rarely able to provide unique results, and so they tend to redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine search engines.

Access+ can track data, which is common to most PUAs. It monitors users' browsing habits (URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collects personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This data is likely to contain personally identifiable information.

PUA developers misuse the gathered data for profit and often share it with third parties seeking to do the same. To summarize, the presence of these unwanted apps on systems can lead to infiltration/infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft.

To ensure device integrity and user safety, remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.

Threat Summary:
Name Access+ search hijacker
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus.
Browser Extension(s) Access+
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Best Media ConverterMessengerHub and MessengerTime are some examples of other adware infections. Software within this classification tends to seem legitimate and useful, however, the features promised seldom work as advertised and, in most cases, do not work at all.

In fact, this applies to all PUAs. These unwanted applications have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers, whilst regular users receive no value. PUAs can cause serious issues. They run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and track sensitive data.

How did Access+ install on my computer?

Some PUAs (including Access+) have "official" promotional pages from which they can be downloaded, however, these apps are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing unwanted or malicious applications with normal software is called "bundling".

Rushing download/installations (e.g. ignoring terms, using presets, skipping steps and sections, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertent installation of bundled content, despite the presence of any opt-out options. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to perform these stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all products to verify their legitimacy, before download/installation. Downloads should be performed only from official and trustworthy sources. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders are untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you encounter these ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Access+, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Access+ adware asking for data-related permissions:

Access+ adware asking for permissions

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Access+ adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Access+ adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Access+", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes Access+ ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Access+ adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Access+ ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "Access+", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing Access+ ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the access+ search hijacker, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Access+  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Access+", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Access+ ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the access+ search hijacker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Access+ ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Access+".

Removing Access+ ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with access+ search hijacker removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the access+ search hijacker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Access+ search hijacker QR code
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